Costs for Motorists

Question

The U-turn on fuel duty is disrespectful and shows a pattern of poor governance. The government’s decision was already released to the media, creating unnecessary uncertainty. Why did it take so long to realise that putting up fuel duty during an energy crisis is a bad idea? Is the Chancellor seriously suggesting that the outlook is better now compared with how it looked at the last fiscal event?

Question

The announcement to extend fuel duty relief later this year is too little, too late. The cost of fertiliser has increased by 44%, and the cut in red diesel duty will not touch the sides when the cost of fertiliser is rocketing through the roof. What message does the Minister think it sends to people that the Government will take action later in the year when people are feeling the pain in their pockets right now?

Question

Like so many Labour Government announcements, the announcement to extend fuel duty relief later this year is too little, too late. Other countries are cutting fuel duty now and cutting public transport costs now. What message does the Minister think it sends to people that the Government will take action later in the year when people are feeling the pain in their pockets right now?

Question

Residents raise concerns about how much they pay for car insurance compared with those in other areas. For low-paid workers who need their car for business, that additional premium represents a lot of money going out every year above and beyond what those in neighbouring areas pay. Will the Chief Secretary convene the insurance industry to see what can be done?

Question

The Minister is not aware that the previous Conservative Government froze fuel duty for 14 years. However, how much extra money has the Treasury obtained as a result of the rise in the wholesale price of fuel at the pumps?

Question

I welcome the efforts to support drivers at the petrol pumps, but this situation has not led to an increase in demand for electric vehicles. The automotive sector is facing a real crisis because of the ZEV mandate. There is no consumer demand to meet the escalating demands of the ZEV mandate. Will the Treasury please use its convening power across Government to bring forward the review of the mandate?

Question

Increased fuel costs are a real pain point for rural households who depend on their cars, spending nearly £800 more per year than urban residents. Will the Government listen to Liberal Democrats’ demands for an immediate 10p cut in fuel duty, which would bring down pump prices by 12p per litre?

Question

I thank the Minister for recognising the important role hauliers and freight play in our national and local economies. The steps announced yesterday will support the 3,500 people in my constituency who work in transport and logistics. Will the Minister liaise with colleagues on other support for the logistics sector, including improved welfare facilities?

Question

Rural drivers in West Worcestershire will be delighted that the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has seen political reality, but why are we not allowing oil and gas extraction from our own basin when we allow an increase in Putin-produced oil and gas?

Question

The Tories oversaw the only Parliament where living standards were lower at the end than they were at the start. This Government, by contrast, got wages up more in a year than the Tories did in a decade with better growth and inflation rates. Does the Chief Secretary agree that this is the best economic plan for delivering on my constituents' interests as motorists?

Question

I welcome the hon. and learned Lady to her new role. She was an excellent colleague when she was on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and it does not surprise me that she is the first of her intake to make it. Some 90% of my constituency is rural, and increases in fuel prices worry people. Will the hon. and learned Lady take the opportunity to do something that should have been done by the last Conservative Government? Rather than putting out false figures for raising fuel duty, why not offer certainty about future fuel costs?

Question

Does the Chief Secretary to the Treasury agree that it is right we did not rush into the Iran war and our Government’s plans are responsive, rather than knee-jerk reactions causing damage in the longer term?

Question

The Government repeatedly point to the fuel finder website as the best way to keep prices low through competition. Yet costs have gone up so much in my constituency that there is no variation between pumps. High prices are crippling for local businesses such as fish merchants, who drive far distances to deliver. Driving is not avoidable in rural areas. Why do they not offer meaningful support beyond red diesel? What about EV charging?

Question

Will the Chief Secretary to the Treasury reassure me that the Treasury understands fuel costs in rural areas not only relate to what motorists pay for driving but affect everything on sale in shops? The best way to help keep costs down is by keeping fuel costs down.

Question

I thank my hon. Friend for recognising and supporting hauliers and logistics companies, such as the Malcolm Group in my constituency which supports many jobs. Those companies play a critical role in keeping shelves stocked. I echo calls to support greater welfare facilities for drivers. What about the safety of logistics staff who are targeted by criminals?

Question

Does the Minister agree that one of the Government’s main responsibilities is to provide energy security for its citizens? Why won’t this Government issue more licences to drill in the North Sea, which would make us energy-sufficient and have a knock-on effect at the pumps?

Question

The freeze in fuel duty will be a relief to drivers, but the lack of public transport in rural communities is problematic. With HS2 costing over £100 billion, would the Government redirect spending towards improving bus services across the country?

Question

The Minister's earlier statement about the war in Iran was inaccurate, as it was a NOFORN operation and there was no chance of UK involvement. Why did the Government decide to exempt oil and oil products from Russia under commodity codes 2709 and 2710?

Question

Scotland’s high energy prices are causing significant issues for constituents and businesses. Will the Government commit to using extra VAT revenue from tax increases to provide a VAT freeze during this crisis?

Question

While the Chancellor’s decision to freeze fuel duty is welcome news, it merely delays an increase until the end of the year. Why won’t the Government cancel this rise altogether?

Question

The carbon border adjustment mechanism will increase fertiliser costs, leading to higher food prices. Will the Government review this mechanism to protect constituents from further price increases?

Question

My rural constituency does not have regular or reliable bus services. Will the Minister meet me to discuss North Cornwall being part of the Government’s rural fuel duty relief scheme?

Question

The Government’s decision to ease the prospect of Putin’s oil flowing into the UK’s market may benefit motorists. Can she explain the Treasury’s calculation, the rationale behind this move, and its cost to the Government's integrity?